City of Hull stars played a key role last night in England Academy’s dramatic 19-18 victory over France in the first Test at the Stade de la Mediterranee.

Centre Cameron Scott (Hull FC ring-fenced) and winger Will Oakes (Hull KR ring-fenced) got on the scoreboard with a try and two conversions respectively, while new Rovers’ recruit Will Dagger started at full-back.

The French began strongly and took a 2-0 lead with a penalty goal but Danny Walker (Widnes Vikings) crossed and Oakes converted to give England a 6-2 advantage.

An arm wrestle between the forwards ensued before France regained a two-point lead when Arthur Mourgue dived over and Romain Pallares converted.

The visitors swiftly hit back when Castleford Tigers’ Jake Trueman provided the classy assist for Scott to slice through for a 10-8 lead.

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That was short-lived as France had the final say in a seesaw first-half when winger Shaunn Brugel touched down.

Oakes levelled the scores early in the second period with a penalty goal before COHA’s Scott broke free and sent Joe Brown (Wigan Warriors) over for the score.

Oakes eventually made it 18-12 to England after adding a penalty goal following Thomas Malfaz’s sin-bin for France.

France would go on to level the game up with three Pallares’ penalty goals, two of which came before Malfaz’s return from the sin-bin.

England were undeterred, though, and in a frantic finish it was Castleford stand-off Callum McLelland who stepped up and nailed a late drop goal for the win.